Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren Jr.’s Carolyn’s Cat became a graded stakes winner Saturday afternoon, as she shook off an early challenge from Dill Or No Dill and a steward’s inquiry for a 3 ¾-length victory in the 16th running of the Grade 3, $108,000 Cicada for three-year-old fillies at six furlongs.

The Forestry filly’s biggest problem was the start, as she brushed with Throbbin’ Heart as the gates opened. Throbbin’ Heart went to her knees, but was quickly gathered up by jockey Stewart Elliott.

Carolyn’s Cat shot out to the lead under jockey Alan Garcia and secured the rail, as Dill Or No Dill and jockey Ramon Dominguez took a stalker’s path on the outside. The pace of :22.26; :45.09 and :57.36 proved too much for Dill Or No Dill and Carolyn’s Cat simply cruised home in 1:10.16 on the fast inner track.

“When my filly broke, that other horse (Throbbin’ Heart) came over a little bit and my horse came in a little bit,” Garcia said. “After that, today my filly was much the best. My filly was comfortable.”

Carolyn’s Cat returned $5.40 to win, and notched her third win in six career starts.

“Mr. Warren has been very patient with this filly, and he told us all along that this would be a graded stakes filly,” said Artie Magnuson, assistant to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who was in his hometown of Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, serving as grand marshall of the town’s St. Patrick’s Parade. “She’s grown up and matured over the last couple of months and she’s turned into the kind of horse Mr. Warren thought she would be. It looks like speed is her weapon.”

Ready for Fortune was second, followed by Dill Or No Dill, True Intentions and Throbbin’ Heart, who lost all chance at the start.